In the final episode of America's Got Talent season 21, broadcast on 23/9, Wu Yu Fei, a 26-year-old dancer from Sichuan, China, captivated audiences alongside 10 humanoid robots. Their ancient-themed performance featured the robots in flowing costumes, executing synchronized movements with the dancer, including kneeling, spinning, sword dancing, and complex formation changes.

The performance garnered widespread acclaim, with judge Sofia Vergara admitting she "forgot they were robots" while watching. Mel B commented that the machines on stage appeared more like "people wearing masks" than actual robots. The act quickly went viral, attracting nearly 500,000 views and thousands of comments on YouTube within a day of its upload. Many viewers described the performance as "from the future," expressing surprise at the robots' ability to perform intricate movements.

The group's journey to the top 10 was marked by increasingly complex routines. In the final, they also delivered a dance performance featuring light effects, set to music by DJ Steve Aoki. Earlier in the season, the robots created a buzz from the opening episode with their hip hop dances alongside Wu Yu Fei. By the quarterfinals, they elevated their act with a combination of choreography and kungfu, showcasing impressive saber and sword dances.

Wu Yu Fei shared his unique experience, telling Yonhap News that he felt "like magic" performing with the humanoid robots. After months of training, he no longer viewed them as "cold, inanimate machines" but sensed a vibrancy in their movements. Art director Fang Zhenghua, who oversaw the staging, likened the process of training the robots to dance to "creating a soul."

The precision of the robots' movements is a testament to meticulous engineering. Each of the dancer's motions had to be recorded, programmed, and integrated into the robots' training system. Movements deemed too difficult or requiring high flexibility were removed during the staging phase. The robots struggled to adapt to unexpected changes in music or rhythm on stage, necessitating that every movement be calculated and performed precisely according to the script. Throughout each performance, engineers closely monitored the robots to promptly address any issues.

Wu Yu Fei, who performed with the robots throughout the show. *Photo: America's Got Talent*

The robots featured in the program are G1 models from Unitree Robotics, a Chinese technology company specializing in humanoid robot development. According to Global Times, this America's Got Talent performance has significantly boosted the international exposure of Chinese humanoid robot technology, an industry rapidly growing and attracting substantial investment in China. This appearance marked the first time Chinese humanoid robots participated in a large-scale American entertainment program. Previously, these robots had gained attention at new year galas through performances like staff dancing, acting, and participating in concerts with various artists.

Humanoid robot development is a priority technology direction for China. Chinese businesses are aggressively pursuing large-scale production and cost reduction to bring these products to market. Global Times reports that some Chinese robot models are notably more affordable, even costing about one-tenth the price of products from competitors in Japan and the US.

A 2025 study by Morgan Stanley estimates the humanoid robot market could reach 5 trillion USD by 2050, with over one billion machines in operation. This research suggests that 90% of these robots could perform simple, repetitive tasks, primarily for industrial and commercial purposes. Robots have made numerous appearances on both traditional and modern stages, showcasing their diverse capabilities.

America's Got Talent, launched in 2006, is a renowned talent competition in the US, attracting contestants from many countries. The show's champion receives a prize of one million USD and the opportunity to perform in Las Vegas. Winners of America's Got Talent come from various fields, including music, dance, magic, and stage performance.

Season 21 aired every tuesday, beginning on 2/6. The four judges were Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Mel B. From its inaugural episode, the season featured a variety of singing, dancing, circus acts, and comedy performances. A notable new addition this season was the "Judges’ Callbacks" rule, which allowed judges to re-select promising acts previously eliminated in the first round, offering them a second chance to compete.

This year's champion was Nene Royal, a 16-year-old singer and guitarist from Phuket, Thailand. She earned high praise for her technique, unique voice, and commanding stage presence.

Ha Thu (according to NBC, Yonhap News)